Aurora Audio GTQ2 Preamp

The Aurora Audio GTQ2 Preamp is where it all began. Since it’s introduction to the pro audio world over 10 years ago by Geoff Tanner, the GTQ2 has become a modern classic. It is the foundation of the entire Aurora Audio line and sets the standard for all of the Class A discrete designs for the company.

With one foot firmly planted in the historic British preamp sound that makes up some of the worlds favorite recordings of all time, the Aurora Audio GTQ2 is also equally capable of capturing the best modern tones of today.

Geoff Tanner’s design incorporates balanced transformer input and output. Our transformers are made to Geoff’s exacting specifications by the old Marinair crew in the United Kingdom. This results in the warm yet extremely punchy sound that only great iron can provide.

The adjustable input impedance coupled with 80dB of available gain makes the GTQ2 ideal for cleanly amplifying everything: low power ribbon mics, classic dynamic mics, and high output condensers. You don’t always have to stay clean though. Turn up the gain on the Aurora Audio GTQ2 and hear the classic harmonics and overtones that made the Class A British sound so sought after.

The Aurora Audio GTQ2 EQ is made to be engineer and musician friendly. This 3 band small wonder is an incredibly powerful tone shaping tool. Geoff saw the opportunity to simplify the EQ section by focusing on the most musical frequencies so you can spend your time recording and not twiddling knobs. The Hi end shelving at 12K provides air and sheen while never getting thin or shrill. The Low end shelving at 80hz gives you enough power to fill out an anemic sound or cut to get rid of any offending rumble. The Midrange control at 400Hz, 1.6K, and 3.2K can help you get rid of mud and get tracks to cut though your dense mix.

When is a DI not just a DI? When it’s the GTQ2 DI! The 10 Megohm DI input allows for a full frequency experience. You will hear Bass and Keyboards with a whole new sense of clarity and fullness. For those recording instruments “in the box” like electric guitars, amp and room simulations will sound more real than ever since the GTQ2 provides an unparalleled source material for the modeling program to react to.

The GTQ2 is truly an all-purpose mic pre. Ideal for any instrument, vocal, or sound effect, the Aurora Audio GTQ2 is being used around the world by professionals in Music, Film, and TV.

Aurora Audio GTQ2 Preamp Specifications

Input impedance = 1,200 ohms or 300 ohms balanced and floating

Balanced and floating Output will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards

D.I. Input impedance = 10Megohms

Frequency response <20Hz to>50KHz + 1dB

Distortion <0.075% @ 1KHz

EIN <-125dB @ 80dB gain

Transformer balanced inputs and outputs

All Class A discrete transistor circuitry Stepped adjustable in 5dB steps from –10dB to +80dB

Rear jacks provide an unbalanced output at the same level as balanced. Selectable input impedance on rear panel